Comedian Yash Rathi Faces FIR for Obscenity

Police have filed an FIR against stand-up comedian Yash Rathi for allegedly using offensive language during a show at IIT Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, on November 15. The show, part of the institute's annual festival, was attended by students, staff and parents. 

Clips from the event went viral on social media, leading to complaints from various groups including the BJYM, NSUI, and Karni Sena. As a result IIT Bhilai's management also lodged a police complaint. The case was registered under Section 296 (obscene acts) of the Indian Penal Code. The institute’s management intervened during the show asking Rathi to leave the stage. 

IIT Bhilai Director Rajiv Prakash expressed shock at the use of such language stating that previous comedy acts at the institute had never included offensive content. Following the incident the management decided to prohibit stand-up comedy shows at the institute in the future.